Category Archives: Blog

Note“What I want people to know about this record is that I wrote after thinking of a concept for the song and reading a few books on the topic that I wanted to write about. In this case, I was very interested in physics and I wanted to create a song based on some of the general concepts. I always thought that Hip-Hop should be used as an educational tool, as well as a creative platform. I think HIP-HOP overall is just that before you add in commercialized rap music. If I could change anything I would take out all of the curse words. Oh, yeah.. lastly I am coming out of retirement as a rapper because I truly believe that age is just a number and I want to inspire people to go after their dreams without caring about what anyone may think or say.”. – HAN-AN

Check out Living my life by Hugo Da Capo on iTunes, Android or your favorite music outlet! The Track was produced by Grizzly On Da Beat, SC. , Recorded at Maximus Recording Studios Charlotte, NC, Mixed and Mastered by Paul Trahan, NOLA and Sound Lab Recordings, NYC Exclusively for Biltmore Records Inc., NC.

This is the Cover Art for Hugo Da Capo’s new single to be released in March. The video will be Produced by Troy Johnson, aka Toast 187. The Track was produced by newcomer Grizzly On Da Beat, SC. Mixed and Mastered by Paul Trahan, NOLA and Sound Lab Recordings, NYC for Biltmore Records Inc., NC and TCK & Associates LLC, NYC.

Directly following the looting and rioting that occurred the first night, the City seemed to come together to peacefully protest the officer involved shooting and subsequent death of Keith Lamont Scott. Charlotte is a great City and I believe that everyone here was surprised by the violent protesters looting and destroying this City that we all love. This is the City where the Charlotte Hornets and Carolina Panthers Play. The City where so many of us go on the weekends to blow off steam, either at the Epicenter or any of the other Bars or Venues about town. To see a curfew imposed and the National Guard called in was truly surprising to say the least. However, it is also inspiring to see peaceful protesters of all nationalities and backgrounds protesting the injustices that continuously occur by Police upon people of color. Ultimately we are living in a tumultuous time were political divisiveness and racial injustice and inequality have come to a head. However, the unity displayed on this third night by Atlanta protesting in unison was an outstanding testament to the commitment the public has to the continued fight for change. Salute to all of the peaceful protesters.

In this episode of the Verbal Graffiti Podcast we began to comment on the book titled The Power Of Broke,by Daymond John it’s the first book being reviewed by our Book Klub. Currently we are offering free Books to anyone who wants to join our gang of book reading hoodlums. Obviously, this is all in fun but one of the goals of this Podcast is to encourage our community to read at least one book a month, which equates to 20 or 30 minutes a day. We will select a new book every months and give a brief review of each book twice within a 30 day cycle. Anyone wishing to join can do so by sending us an email to [email protected] There will be a limited monthly supply so if interested you would want to be among our first responders. A future goal of the Podcast is to give out books selected by the Book Klub to local Schools in order to encourage kids to read suggested books and participate in the Book Klub!

Additionally, we discussed the Hood Morning America Wake up Challenge! That’s simply the creation of daily habits or routines initiated every morning aimed at increasing productivity and vitality throughout the day. The first challenge is to drink 16 ounces of water immediately after you wake up in the morning. Studies have shown that there are many Health Benefits to drinking water as soon as you wake up and we agree that doing this will not only provide a revitalization of energy, but it was also jumpstart your metabolism. Please keep in mind that drinking water is only the first challenge, we will add on new challenges with every episode to creating the optimal step by step morning routine.

In this podcast we also released a new song titled Again! The songs is about a healthy lifestyle and just may be the theme music for the show, who knows! It’s something that Rick Cruz had in his archives but you got to admit that beat is hot! Also, make sure to check out other news and updates from Biltmore Records!

After listening to the second episode of the Verbal Graffiti Podcast you may be thinking “what does this show have to do with Hip-Hop?” Well it’s simple, this show is about inspiring our audience to get out of it’s comfort zone. It’s about challenging ourselves take action NOW in order to fully pursue whatever we set out to achieve. The show references comments from Mrs. Tamara Bunte, America’s #1 Sales Coach who just wrote a book titled PROVERBS FOR SELLING available on amazon.com. We also referenced Tony Robins’s 7 Master Steps To Creating Lasting Change. Again., we are not trying to teach this information but rather inspire our audience to look further into these resources for more helpful insight into overcoming challenges to business and personal goals.

The first podcast also received criticism via email, as well as feedback from friends. We narrowed it down to the top 5 critiques of the show and shared them along with our comments. The idea is that Rome was not built in a day, and this podcast will not be an overnight success, but we do plan to build it up to the point where it can be the absolute best Podcast out there (respectfully). So stay tuned.

The first episode of the Verbal Graffiti Podcast is a short introduction to the show and content. The show will air on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each Month. In this episode we introduce the show, the host and reasons to listen in. We touched on a lot of subject matter that will be covered and expanded upon in future shows. If you were expecting commentary on music then you might be in for a surprise. Yes, music is an important part of the Verbal Graffiti lifestyle, but this podcast is more focused on inspiring the listeners to be a part of our “Gang of Hoodlems” who will read books and follow success formulas to better improve LIFE for everyone who participates. The idea is not that Rick Cruz is some sort of a GURU but rather that he is trying to stick to these life altering routines and he selfishly wants everyone to participate so that he can be held accountable for sticking to the path.

We Announced Da Hood Morning America Wake UP Challenge, Da Hood Book Klub and other Challenges or information that will make the listener think that this Podcast is nothing but a whole lot of work,. And THAT It Is. But, those who participate will experience some amazing, life altering benefits. THAT is a proven fact.

This Month the Hood Book Klub will be reading The Power of Broke by Daymond John, co/written by Daniel Paisner. The books subtitle is equally as interesting as the title stating “How empty pockets, a tight budget and a hunger for success can become your greatest competitive advantage”. The book is $26 at Barnes & Nobel but we found it for $15 on Amazon.com THE POWER OF BROKE on amazon.com We will begin discussing the book on our next episode, but you don’t have to finish the book in that time frame.

Lastly please leave a comment here, or contact us via email at [email protected] with any suggestions or comments. Also you can follow us on Facebook Twitter Instagram & YouTube. Until next time friends remember “you are a combination of the 5 people you spend the most time with”. So,..choose your “Gang” wisely.

New Music from HAN-AN titled “Are You Already Ready?” Produced by Paul Trahan featuring Dalvin Woods. Lyrics written by Rick Cruz and Sean Howard. Vocals were recorded at Maximus studio’s in Charlotte, NC with Ira Parker (Sound Engineer). The song was mixed and mastered by Paul Trahan of New Orleans, La.

“Only IF Rudyard Kipling knew one thing” – That line explains the theme of this track. Beast is a dedication to those who made it through the struggle; and the ones who did not. Check out the re-mix of HAN-AN’s 2007 track titled BEAST. It was originally produced by Paul Trahan and now he has remixed it for 2015 to prelude the new music that’s on the way. Are you already; Ready 11.11.15.

This track was produced by T. Acosta, Rick Cruz and Paul Trahan for Biltmore Records Inc. The record has now been brought back with a new mix and fully remastered by Paul Trahan. Originally a statement mocking the redundant content in rap music the songs true texture lies in the social, political and ecological ideas that continue to become even more transparent today.

This remix was produced by Paul Trahan exclusively for Biltmore Records Inc. The record will be part of an EP being prepared for released early next year. We have some new material on deck so stay tuned! Thank You.

Born in France to Tunisian parents, eL Seed delights in juggling multiple cultures, languages and identities. Not least in his artwork, which sets Arabic poetry in a style inspired by street art and graffiti. In this quietly passionate talk, the artist and TED Fellow describes his central ambition: to create art so beautiful it needs no translation.

Ever wonder why Charlotte is the most popular up and coming city on the east coast? Take at look at this. It’s a short film explaining how for years, Charlotte and Atlanta have been long time rivalries in the competition for new companies, jobs and young residents. However, the Queen City’s uptown success started with a vision nearly 50 years old. What do you think? Leave a comment let us know your thoughts!

The Chello Hollyday Band is known as one of the hottest bands in Tampa Florida. On May 8th they will be playing at the Amalie Arena before the Kevin Hart show. If your in town make sure to join them from 5 – 9 for some good music and great vibes before the big event! You can also check out Chello Hollyday on CHELLO HOLLYDAY.COM and his event page on FACEBOOK. Also download Chello Hollyday’s hit single “Let’s Make Love Tonight” on ITUNES TODAY! Available only on BILTMORE RECORDS.